FORMATION OF BISCHLORODIMETHYL ETHER IN TEXTILE FINISHING.

In 1968 it was found that bischlorodimethyl ether, BCME, has carcinogenic properties. Investigations have shown that BCME is formed in high concentrations in systems containing formaldehyde precursors (paraformaldehyde or trioxane), hydrogen chloride, acetic acid or dioxane and relatively little water. Up to 10% of the formaldehyde present in the systems is transformed into BCME. The Form D and similar processes for crosslinking cellulose fiber fabrics are therefore too toxic to be used. 15 refs.